By Thomas Newman: Paulie Malignaggi throws himself back into the Jr Welterweight mix on the August 22nd in an exciting bout against former World Lightweight Champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz. The result of this match will no doubt catapult the winner towards a title shot against one of the crop of Junior Welterweight champions. Paulie Malignaggi takes time out of his training regime to talk to Thomas Newman from www.boxingcommunity.tv
(TN) Paulie you are next up against Juan Diaz on August 22nd. What would you say is the “Baby Bull’s” biggest weakness?
(PM) Thanks for having me. Well, Juan Diaz is a great fighter and is going to come to fight. We know that for a fact, but I will show the Baby Bull’s weaknesses on August 22nd.
(TN) Without giving too much away…what is your game plan for the fight?
(PM) Well your going to see the old Paulie Malignaggi back in action. We have got a great game plan on August 22nd, and I am ready for anything baby bull has to offer. We have got a great team and I am going to put on a boxing clinic..
(TN) Who do you want next after the Diaz fight?
(PM) Right now were not looking past Juan Diaz, he’s a quality opponent. But really whoever brings the most money.
(TN) Aside from Manny Pacquiao – who is the most dangerous opponent that you could face in the Junior Welterweight division?
(PM) Well, there are a lot of great fighters in that division…you got Floyd Mayweather, Shane Mosely and Juan Manuel Marquez moving up. Therefore, there are definitely big names in this division. We will weigh up our options after Diaz on August 22nd.
(TN) What did you make of last weekends action with both bouts ending in an unusual fashion?
(PM) That’s boxing…you never know whats going to happen!
(TN) You famously challenged Miguel Cotto back in 2006. How do you rate his chances against Manny Pacquiao and how do you see the fight going?
(PM) We see Cotto being the bigger, stronger, more aggressive fighter. Personally, I think Manny’s a little to small for 147. But it’s still going to be an exciting fight to watch.
(TN) Who would be your dream opponent (current or past) in the Light Welterweight division?
(PM) Right now its Juan Diaz, he’s the main focus. After we make him disappear, we will find another dream.
(TN) What do you think the future is for Ricky Hatton….retire or purely concentrate on promoting?
(PM) Ricky Hatton should retire and help out UK boxing.
(TN) Some people in the UK boxing press have mentioned your name as a possible opponent for Britain’s new WBA Jr Welterweight champ Amir Khan. If that happened how would you see the outcome?
(PM) Anything is possible. If he brings money…then we can talk.
Paulie Malignaggi takes on Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz on August 22nd at the Toyota Centre in Houston, Texas. The fight will be broadcast on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark”.